Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives will be hosting a series of engaging activities as part of the inaugural “Kandoooma Manta Month” to raise awareness of manta ray conservation and provide guests with an unforgettable experience in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Last year, the resort embarked on a week-long celebration commencing on World Manta Day and, after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, has extended the promotion to a month-long celebration from 1 September 2024.
“We are delighted to be able to devote an entire month to celebrating manta rays. This initiative is not just about raising awareness; it is about giving our guests an opportunity to connect with nature, learn about conservation and contribute to the protection of one of the ocean’s most majestic species,” said Mark Ellett, general manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives.
“As an avid diver, I have had the good fortune to encounter manta rays in their natural habitat – a truly humbling experience. Manta rays symbolize the beauty and mystery of the ocean and it is our duty to ensure their survival for future generations. Through our Kandooma Manta Month activities, we invite our guests to join us in protecting these gentle giants.”
Last year, a group of guest divers accompanied by General Manager Mark rescued a manta ray that had been caught in a ghost net, which was later identified by the Manta Trust and added to their database.
“We were thrilled when the Manta Trust named the rescued manta ‘Kandoma’ as a token of their appreciation for the rescue team and the area,” Mark said.
Manta rays (called “Madi” in the Maldivian Dhivehi language) are the largest rays in the ocean and the Maldives is home to the world’s largest population of reef manta rays, numbering over 5,831 and growing. Kandooma, a marine giant released last year, is the 915th oceanic manta ray spotted in Maldivian waters, as confirmed by the Manta Trust.
Key highlights of World Manta Month include guided scuba diving and snorkelling tours where you can observe these giant creatures in their natural environment and the threats they face, as well as learning about manta ray behaviour through marine biology talks given by guests and in-house experts.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives recently introduced a beautiful new manta ray themed jewellery line, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each pendant being donated to the Manta Trust.
The Kids Marine Explorer Program is a fun and educational program perfect for little ones, where they can learn about manta rays, take part in hands-on activities and become certified as a “Kandoo Ambassador”.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma is located moments from the Maldives’ top 10 dive sites, so the health of the ocean and all its inhabitants is important to guests and hotel staff alike. The resort aligns with IHG’s purpose, True Hospitality for Good, through its sustainability program, Journey to Tomorrow, the hotel group’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Located in South Male Atoll, just a 40-minute boat ride from the airport, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives is a beautiful island paradise. White sand beaches, swaying coconut trees and turquoise waters provide the backdrop for a variety of leisure activities and some of the Maldives’ best diving spots. Choose from Garden Villas, Beach Villas, two-storey Beach Houses and the popular Overwater Villas. Family-friendly facilities include two-bed and three-bed villas, Kandoo Kids Club and a comprehensive activities programme. Satisfy your healthy appetite and indulge in the flavours of the Maldives at six dining options. For ultimate relaxation, sun loungers and hammocks are available throughout the island. The tranquil Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala will soothe your body, mind and soul.
